Thursday, July 28, 2011

Acer's "Ethos" - Aristotle was no "gamer"...

  Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G

 What's up? Still using your PC in ancient "desktop" setup? If the answer's "yes" then you should definitely check the "desktop replacement" class of notebooks. The processing power is on par with the bulky desktops so no matter what task you're up to - these notebooks can deliver. The first thing that sets Acer's "Ethos" apart from the crowd is the marketing gimmick they came up with - a detachable touchpad that can be used as a remote control for the system. As the savvy users that you are, I'm sure this novelty won't be the selling point for the system but rather its hardware configuration so let's roundup the specs:

 Processor:

 Intel's 2nd Gen Core i7 (Quad-Core Technology) 2630QM (6M L3 Cache) @ 2 GHz with max speed @ 2.9 GHz

 Chipset:
 Mobile Intel HM65 Express

 Ram:
 8 GB DDR3 PC3-8500 @ 1066 MHz (up to 16 GB max)

 Storage:
 HDD 750 GB @ 5400 rpm - Serial ATA-300

 Optical drive:
 DVD±RW (±R DL) / BD-ROM (Blu ray player)

 Display:
 18 inch TFT active matrix LCD Backlight Technology with LED backlight
 Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 16:9 Image Aspect Ratio
 Features: HDCP, CineCrystal

 Video:
 NVIDIA GeForce 555M GT with 2 GB DDR3 VRAM

 Audio:
 5.1 complies with Dolby Home Theater standards

 Networking:
 WLAN 802.11b,g,n
 Bluetooth 3.0
 Gigabit Ethernet

 Interfaces:
 1 x USB 3.0
 2 x USB 2.0
 1 x HDMI
 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T RJ-45
 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
 1 x eSATA

 Battery:
 8 cell Lithium ion - 6000 mAh (up to 5.5 hrs)

 Power:
 External AC adapter 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)

 Down to Earth now, I guess all the geeks out there are drooling over these tech. specs and the lack of a SSD drive it's not a setback given that the "Ethos" should replace a desktop PC. Gaming should be a pleasant experience along with watching HD video content.
 How about you "happy power users" - would you replace your bulky desktop PC with one of these?

 Link: Acer Aspire Ethos


Friday, July 22, 2011

Project Switchblade: by gamers for gamers

 The Razer Switchblade

 How y'all gamers doin'? Good news for you: Razer has unveiled a concept design for the most portable pc gaming machine yet. The path of innovation is a neverending journey filled with bright ideas and heavy R&D :)
 They say it's a "revolution in pc gaming", I'd say it's evolution. Besides its size and portability the "Switchblade" will feature a dynamic tactile keyboard that can be customized with control schemes for all the games that would be played on it. It will feature a Windows 7 OS powered by an Intel mobile processor. Other features will include: a mini HDMI port, USB 3.0, WiFi and 3G. A quick glance at the specs and the next things comin' to my mind besides gaming are: productivity on the go with the help of an Office Suite and HDTV connectivity - which will add further value and interest for the system.

 Smartphones and tablets are getting better by the day so the competition will be swift and stiff. In the end, the sales numbers will tell the difference. So, gamers (hardcore and casual) this one's for you, are you interested? See ya!

 Link: Switchblade



Tuesday, July 19, 2011

High-style + high-tech = A7

 Audi A7's navigation system

 The most advanced navigation system for the consumers can be found installed in the latest Audi A7. Based on nVidia's hardware and Google's expertise Audi has decided to integrate cutting edge technology in its flagship models - don't know about you but I'd still choose the R8 without any sat-nav system :)
 Combining class with technology it's not an easy task but at the end of the day the customers are the ones who decide. The sat-nav system is based on nVidia's Tegra technology and allows for: rendering 3D maps and terrain, video and audio playback.
 The processing power will change the way people drive. With the help of computer vision and augmented reality the blind spots are easily detected and the driver alerted while the assisted parking and the night vision experiences add value to the system. The comfort of the passengers hasn't been overlooked, a wi-fi hotspot can be activated so they can access the internet from their smartphones, tablets or notebooks. So, what do you think?
 Don't forget to post your opinions, see ya!

 Link: The Audi A7 Does High-Tech In High-Style

OnLive - Game on - Live on

 OnLive gaming service

 What if you don't really need a console to play the latest games? Unless you play only WoW you might be interested :)
 Just start your favorite browser and start playing the latest titles without having to spend on cutting edge technology. All you need is a fast and reliable internet connection and if you live in the U.S.(*sigh*) you can hook up the OnLive Game System to your TV.
 The best thing about this service is that you can play no matter where you are. Just start the browser on your notebook, connect to a wi-fi and you're set to go. For more info see: OnLive
 So, what's your game: online, offline or OnLive? See ya

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Galaxy Mini - for the minimalist

Samsung Galaxy Mini

 Hey, what's up? Guess this guy likes gadgets... the minimalist way, at least for today :)
 If you haven't lived in a cave for the last year or so, you might have heard about Samsung's line of Galaxy products. High end smartphones and tablets waiting to be snatched off the shelf. The mini has all the features of a complete smartphone but at the cost of a low-res screen and a mediocre camera. The build quality is quite good for a device with this kind of price tag. The best thing about it it's that it runs Android 2.2 Froyo so the users can enrich their experience by installing apps and games from the Android Market or from other sources :D
 If you are looking to buy cheap look no other way - the Mini is the answer but it won't help you save earthrealm from evil. If you're after all the bells and whistles go for its bigger bros like Galaxy S and S II. That's it for today folks, don't forget to post your opinions... as usual :))
 Have a good one!

 Link: Samsung Galaxy Mini